© Mike Bird・Pexels License

United Kingdom

London

Home of the world's oldest Underground and the red double-decker. Tap the card you already carry and ride.

Taxis & ride-hailing

The iconic black cabs can be hailed on the street and take cards. Ride-hailing apps work well too - but never take an unbooked minicab tout, which is illegal.

Updated on July 15, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Hail a cab with the yellow "TAXI" light on
    A lit light means available - just raise your hand. Tell the driver your destination after you get in.
  2. 2
    Book with Uber, Bolt or FREENOW
    FREENOW can also hail black cabs. Check the plate and driver name match the app before boarding.
  3. 3
    Pay by card
    Black cabs must accept cards. Tipping is optional - rounding up is plenty.

Typical costs

Fixed-price routes2

Black cab (short central trip)
Metered, varies by time of day (estimate - to be verified).
8〜25 GBP ≈ $11–34
Ride-hailing app (central, typical)
Dynamic pricing (estimate - to be verified).
8〜30 GBP ≈ $11–41

Estimates use exchange rates as of September 5, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
VISAMastercardAmex
App tickets
Cash

Tap for where to get the app

Quick facts

Hours
24 hours
Fares from
8 GBP+

Heads-up

  • Never take a minicab that touts on the street

    Minicab touts approaching you on the street are likely illegal and uninsured. Only take minicabs booked in advance via an app or phone.

  • Black cab drivers have passed The Knowledge

    Black cab drivers pass The Knowledge - the world's toughest geography exam. You can trust the route.

Timetable

Operating hours 24 hours
Typical duration Central traffic is heavy - the Tube is often faster for short hops
Check the official site for the latest times and service status